Packing for movable dam structures



lune 30, 1936. "r. BECHER PACKING FOR MOVABLE DAM STRUCTURES Filed July 18, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR jeober ATTORNEY June 30, 1936. BECHER 2,045,825

PACKING FOR MOVABLE DAM Filed July 18, 1935 STRUCTURES 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Tbeodor Beebe r INVENTOR ATTORNEY 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 T. BECHER PACKING FOR MOVABLE DAM STRUCTURES Filed July 18, 1935 fbeodov 3e Patented June 30, 1936 UNITED STATES PACKING FOR, MOVABLE DAM STRUCTURES Theodor Becher, Wiesbaden, Germany, assignor to Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Niirnberg, A. G., Nuremberg, Germany, a corporation of Germany Application July 18, 1935, Serial No. 32,095

In Germany September 20, 1934' 4 Claims. (01. 61-922) 1 masonry or concrete piers, and to utilize suitable hoisting mechanism for moving the damming structures into and out of damming position.

The main body portion of a dam of the roller type may have one or more aprons or flaps secured thereto and extending therefrom. The apron, which is usually arcuate in cross section,

depends from the main body or drum of the dam structure and its lower longitudinal edge is adapted to rest on a sill or armature in the bed of the stream or water course.

Means of some kind have to be employed whereby the joint between the lower portion of the movable dam structure and the sill is made tight when the dam structure is in its damming position, so that water will not flow thereunder.

In some instances the sills have been provided with a sealing strip or packing for engaging, the lower longitudinal edge portion of the dam structure. In other instances suitable sealing or packing means have been formed along the-lower longitudinal edge of the dam structure for engaging the sill. Sealing and packing means of the latter type have been constructed in various ways. One form of such means which has gone into extensive use has comprised a water chamber formed along the lower longitudinal edge of the dam structure. Such water chamber may be substantially rectangular in cross section and it may have a movable and flexible front wall disposed on the upstream side of the dam structure. Furthermore, the front Wall of the water chamber is so formed that said chamber is in communication with the water in the pool on the upstream side of the dam structure. I

The front wall of the water chamber usually carries a sealing or packing strip for engaging the sill in the bed of the stream or water course, and suitable means are provided for maintaining the front wall of the water chamber in contact with the sill, when the damming structure isin damming position.

Since the movable dam structure is subject to considerable flexing or distortion as the result of the pressure of the water in the pool on the upstream side thereof, and since this deflection or distortion of the dam structure varies throughout the length thereof, being greater at the center of the dam structure than near its ends, obviously means should be provided for maintaining the sealing or packing strip uniformly and tight- 5 ly in engagement with the sill, throughout the entire length thereof, and the present invention relates to an improved construction of the sealing or packing means.

An object of the invention is to provide an im- 10 provedbottom sealing 'or packing means for movable dam structures and the like, wherein the sealed joint between the dam structure and its supporting sill will remainitight in the event the dam structure bulges or becomes distorted under 15 the influence of the pressure of water thereagainst,

Another object of the invention is to provide improved means for resiliently maintaining the sealing or packing means of a movable dam struc- 20 ture, against. the floor of a water channel controlled by the dam structure when the dam structure is in damming position.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved sealing or bottom packing means for 25 movable dam structures and the like, in which the sealing or packing means carried by the dam structure, comprises a sealing strip mounted on a plate disposed at the front of a water chamber on the upstream side of the dam structure and 30 resiliently connected to a wall of the chamber for movement toward and away from the floor of the water channel.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved sealing or packing means of the 35 above mentioned type, in which the means for resiliently maintaining the packing strip in engagement with the floor of the water channel includes a plurality of spring elements which are mounted in a water tight compartment on the downstream 40 side of the dam structure.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved sealing or packing means'of the above mentioned type which is useful where the level of the water in the lower pool is lower than the sealing strip.

Another object of the invention isto provide an improvedsealing or bottom packing means for movable dam structures and the like, which is simple in construction, and reliable and exact in function under all conditions of service.

The invention also comprises certain new and useful improvements in the construction, ar-

rangement and combination of the several parts 55 of which it is composed, as will be hereinafter more fully described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a transverse section through a movable dam structure of the roller type, having an improved bottom sealing or packing means constructed according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross section of the lower portion of the dam structure shown in Fig. 1, showing the bottom sealing or packing means in detail;

Fig. 3 is a plan of a portion of the bottom sealing or packing means; and

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view, partly in section, illustrating the manner in which the movable dam structure is sealed against the sill on the bed of a stream.

Referring to the drawings and especially to Fig. 1, a portion of the usual floor formed in the bed of a stream or water channel to be controlled by a movable dam structure, such as a drum weir or roller dam, isindicated at H.

As is customary, the floor II is formed witha sill l2 against which the bottom of the Weir or movable dam structure is adapted to contact.

In the present instance the floor H is shown as being constructed of concrete or other cementitiousmaterial. Howevenit is to be understood that the floor may be constructed from any other suitable masonry material. In order to prevent undue wear, the surface of the sill I2 is usually formed from suitable metal, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The movable dam structure or gate illustrated in the present instance is of the roller type, comprising a hollow sheet metal cylinder or drum I3, which is adapted to be raised and lowered inany suitable or known manner.

Depending, from the drum I3 is an apron l4, arcuate in form, andhaving its upper edge suitably securedto the drum body. The lower edge of the apron I4 is disposed .a suitable distance from the body of the drum and any suitable. means may be employed for rigidly bracing the apron to the drum, such as struts. l5, |6, H and I8, or the like, (see Fig. 1).

The lower or free edge of the apron M is formed with a suitable water chamber l9 which extends longitudinally of the apron for the entire length thereof, as shown in Fig. 4. This water chamber may be substantially rectangular in cross section, as shown best in Fig. 2, and said water chamber has rigid walls 29, 2|v and 22, and a movable front wall 23.

The walls of the waterchamber |9 are preferably formed of sheetmetal, wall 20 being suitably secured to the strut I1, wall 22 being suitably secured to the struts I8, and wall 2| being secured to cross members 24 connecting struts "and I8, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

When the movable dam structure is in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the wall 20.0f the water chamber I9 is disposed uppermost and accordingly in order to clarify the description this wall will be referred to as the upper side wall of the water chamber. Likewise, wall 2| will be referred to as the rear wall of the water chambenand wall 22 will be referred to as the lower side wall of said water chamber.

The front wall 23 of the water chamber |9 is preferably formed from a flexible plate having one of its longitudinal edges pivotally connected to the lower edge of wall 22, by hinges 25', as

shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

The front wall or plate 23 bridges the space between the outer edges of the side walls 20 and 22. However, the edge of plate 23 adjacent side wall 2|] is bent or turned inwardly, as indicated at 26, Fig. 2, so as to provide a gap or slot 21 between it and said side wall.

When the movable dam structure is in submerged position, as shown in Fig. 1, the front wall 23 is disposed along the bottom of the water chamber l9 and the inturned edge 26 is disposed adjacent to the top of said water chamber, so that water may enter into the chamber i9 through the slot 21.

Mounted on the underside of the plate 23, is a plate 28 carrying a sealing or packing strip 29. The sealing or packing strip 29 is preferably formed from rubber or rubber composition which is secured to plate 28 by vulcanizing, as indicated at 30, .Fig. 2. By utilizing a strip of rubber for the sealing means, when the movable dam structure is lowered into engagement with the sill l2, a tight seal for preventing leakage of water through the joint between the movable dam structure and the floor of the water channel will be had.

As shown in Fig. 2, the sealing strip 29 is substantially triangular in cross section, so as to provide a comparatively thick portion of rubber throughoutthe central portion of the sealing strip. In this way the sealing strip will have sufficient. resiliency so that the same will completely fill uneven surfaces in the sill |2.

Due to the pressure .of the water held in the stream. by the movable dam structure and bearing against the upstream side of said dam structure, it is obvious that the movable dam structure is subject to bending or flexing, from end to end.

Damming structures of the type herein shown and described have been constructed with lengths 100 feet and more, and when such damming structures are installed in a stream, they are supported only by piers ateachend thereof. The damming structures may have a damming height of 20 or more feet, and therefore, the pressure of the water against the upstream side of the drum l3 and apron l4 flexes the same, so that the middle portion thereof is disposed downstream a slight distance from the ends thereof.

With the drum |3 and apron l4 thus flexed or bowed, obviously the parts constituting the water chamber I!) will also be bowed or flexed, as shown in Fig. 4, and with the central portion of the water chamber |.9 thus flexed downstream, it will be appreciated that the sealing means for the bottom of the dam structure will not engage the central portion of the. sill l2, asfirmly as at the end portions of said sill.

Therefore, in,.order to maintain the sealing strip 29 uniformly in engagement with the sill l2 throughout .the length thereof, individually adjustable springmeans are provided, said spring means being constructed in the manner next described. r

Connected at one end to the movable front wall 23 and extending upwardly through the water chamber l9 and passing through the wall 2| of said water chamber, is a plurality of rods 31. As shown in'Fig.- 4, the rods 31 are spaced apart at suitable. intervals throughout the length of the movable dam structures.

The rods 31, which are pivotally connected to the front plate 23 by pivot pins 36, as shown in Fig. 2, also extend through a box like member 42 disposed on the upper side of the water chamber I9. 'Wall 2|of the water chamber l9 constitutes the bottom of box 42. I The box alsohas side walls 43 and 44, and a top 45. I 1 Where the rods 31 pass through the wall 2 there are packing glands 4| which prevent the escape of water from the chamber l9 into the box 42.

The upper end portion of each rod 3? is threaded, as at 38, for the reception of nuts 39 and 49,-

nuts 39.

Disposed within the box.42 and encircling each rod 31, is a volute expansible spring 46. One end of the spring 46 bears against the top 45 of the box 42 and the other end of said spring bears against a collar 4? mounted on the rod 9i. 1 If so desired a nut mounted on the threaded portion of the rod 31 may. constitute the collar 47.

The tension ofthe springs 46 is adjusted by means of the collars 4?, and when the movable dam structure is moved away from the sill l2, outward movement of the front wall 29 will be limited by nuts 39 engaging the wall 45.

In the drawings nut 39 is shown spaced from the wall 45. This is due tothe fact that the movable front wall 23 has been swung inwardly in the water chamber l9 on hinges 25, due to the engagement of the sealing or packing strip 29 with the sill J2 when the movable dam structure is in its submerged or lower position.

With theparts in theposition shown in Figs. 1 and 2, obviously the springs 49 will be compressed more than will be the case when the device is out of engagement with the sill l2 and the front wall 23 is in the extended position above described. However, the initial compression given to the springs 46 by relative adjustment of the nuts or collars 41 will be such as to enable the sealing strip 29 to be urged tightly against the sill l2, irrespective of variations in the relative distance between the lower portion of the movable dam structure and said sill, due to bending or flexing of the dam structure resulting from the pressure of the water in the pool on the upstream side thereof.

Augmenting the action of the springs 46 is the pressure of the water in chamber l9 against the front wall 23, since the water in chamber I9 transmits the pressure of the head water which enters the chamber l9 through slot 21 to the plate 23, whereby the sealing or packing strip 29 is pressed against the sill l2.

Preferably the plates used in forming the front wall 23 should be constructed from suitable resilient sheet material, and the characteristics of the material used in forming plates 23 and 28 should be such that the plates will withstand the tensional and crushingstrain to which they are subjected. By employing suitable inexpensive but strong sheet metal in constructing the plates 23 and 28, and by vulcanizing the rubber strip 29 on to plate 28 by any suitable method, it has been found that a satisfactory sealing and packing means will be provided for the device, which packing means will have a life substantially equal to the expected life of the dam structure without requiring replacement thereof.

By employing the series of springs 46 and by spacing said springs at suitable intervals apart, unduly strong bending of the front wall 23 will be obviated, since said springs will function to brace the wall 23 throughout the length thereof and thereby prevent undue distortion of the same.

By adjustably tensioning the springs 46 by means of the rods 31 and associated parts, various tensions can be imparted to the several springs throughout, the length of the dam, so as to impart sufficient pressure against the front wall 23 to-firmly seat the sealing strip 29 against the sill l2.

Obviously, the portion of the sill [2 which is engaged by the sealing strip 29 may have an uneven surface, and by employing flexibleplates 23 and 28 and the rubber sealing strip 29, and by urging the sealing member towards said sill by the plurality of adjustable springs 46, the sealing member can be made to conform to the surface of the sill [2.

The specific type of sealing means for a movable dam structure herein shown and described is especially useful where the level of the water in the lower pool is lower than the sealing strip. In Fig. 1 the level of the water in the pools on both sides of the movable darn structure is indicated, and it will be noted that the normal height of the water in the downstream pool is shown as being slightly lower than the point of the sill l2 engaged by the sealingstrip 29. By construct ing the devicein the manner herein shown and described, the springs 46 will be located above the water in the lower pool, so as to be readily accessible for inspection, lubrication, adjustment and replacement. 1

Furthermore, by this improved construction the springs 49 function only to take care of the forces which occur when the sealing strip 29 slides on to the sill H2. The whole device, therefore, will last much longer and it will only be necessary to lubricate the springs from time to time. This can be accomplished without difiiculty due to the accessibility of the springs 46, which has i been heretofore pointed out. As will be understood, since the springs are readily accessible, possible damage or defects thereof can be easily detected without difficulty. It will, therefore, be understood that by constructing the sealing means in the manner herein described, the whole device will last much longer than is the case with similar devices of prior construction.

While the present invention is particularly useful in conjunction with water gates of the roller type, it is in its broader aspects, however, not limited in its application to gates of any particular specific design.

From the foregoing description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, it is believed that the construction, operation and advantages of the invention will be clearly understood. It is desired to point out, however, that while a certain specific embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described the invention is readily capable of various other mechanical embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:-

1. A device of the class described comprising a movable dam structure having a water chamber formed thereon, a front wall hingedly connected along one edge to said water chamber, a resilient packing strip on said front wall for engagingthe sill of a dam to seal the joint between the sill and said movable dam structure, a water tight box mounted on said movable darn structure on the rear side of said water chamber, rods pivotally connected to said front wall and extending through said water chamber and said box, and a tension element disposed in said box and encircling each rod for urging said front wall forwardly towards the sill of the dam.

2. A device of the class described comprising a movable dam structure having a water chamber formed thereon, a front wall hingedly connected along one edge to said Water chamber, a resilient packing strip on said front wall for engaging the sill of a dam to seal the joint between the sill and said movable dam structure, a water tight box mountedon said movable dam structure on the rear side of said water chamber, rods pivotally connected to said front wall and extending through said water chamber and said box, a tension element disposed in said box and encircling each rod and bearing at one end against a wall of said box and at the other end against a collar on the rod, for urging said front wall forwardly towards the sill of the dam, and adjustable means carried by said rods for limiting the outward swinging movement'of said front wall.

3. A deviceof the class described comprising a movable dam structure having a water chamber formed thereon, a front wall hingedly connected along one edge to said water chamber, a resilient packing strip on said, front Wall for engaging the sill of a dam to seal thejoint between the sill and said movable dam structure, a water tight box-like structure on the rear side of said water chamber, said box and said water chamber having a common dividing wall and said box having a rear upper wall, a rod pivotally' connected to said frontfwall and extending through said water chamber and said box, said rod terminating beyond the rear upper wall of said box, threads formed on the extremity of said rod, a'tension element disposed in said box and encircling said rod, said tension element bearing at one end against the rear upper wall of said box and at the other end against a. collar on the rod, for urging said front wall forwardly towards the sill of the dam, and a nut mountedv on the threaded portion of said rod" for limiting the outward swinging movement of said front wall. 7

4. A device of the class described comprising a movable dam structure having a water chamber formed thereon, a front wall hingedly connected along one edge to said water chamber, a packing strip on said front wall for engaging the sill of a dam to seal the joint between the sill and said movable dam structure, a box-like member mounted on said movable dam structure on the rear side of said water chamber, rods pivotally connected to" said front wall and extending through said water chamber and said box, means carried by said rods for limiting the swinging movement of said front wall, and tension elements disposed in said box for urging said front wall forwardly towards the sill of the dam.

THE-ODOR BECHER. 

